A veterinary innovation developed by specialists from the National University of Mar del Plata was awarded for its interesting solution.
This is the project that develops an experimental vaccine against toxoplasmosis in sheep, which won the BioVet Arnaldo Colusi 2025 award.
The innovation uses tobacco plants as natural biofactories, a technology that promises to revolutionize animal health and improve food security.
The recognition was awarded by the Scientific Research Commission (CIC) of Buenos Aires and the company Bedson S.A.
This is the third edition of these awards dedicated to veterinary innovation and sustainable animal production in universities based in the province of Buenos Aires.
The initiative is focused on improving the productivity and quality of life of ruminants, pigs, birds, and fish.
A veterinary innovation that transforms plants into vaccine factories
The project led by Ignacio Gual, a professor at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of Balcarce, employs an innovative method.
As Gual explained to La Capital: “A gene is inserted into the tobacco plant to express a protein or antigen: that of Toxoplasma gondii“.
“By giving the sheep that plant, the sheep generates antibodies and cells against that antigen,” he detailed.
“Thus, in the event of an infection, the animal will be able to control the disease more easily,” the researcher specified.
This veterinary innovation technique represents a more accessible and sustainable alternative to traditional vaccine production methods.
Why it is important to prevent toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that affects both animals and humans.
As Gual detailed to La Capital: “The infection is transmitted mainly through the feces of cats, but it can also be contracted by ingesting infected sheep meat that is poorly cooked.”
The risk is especially severe in pregnant women, as the fetus can develop severe health problems.
Therefore, an effective vaccine for sheep would directly contribute to preventing human contagion through the production of safe meat for consumption.
The project details: “A plant-based vaccine against toxoplasmosis for small ruminants would help prevent infection in humans through the production of safe meat for consumption and control the productive impact of the disease in sheep.”
Additionally, the disease causes significant productive losses in the sheep sector, causing abortions and fetal infections.
Veterinary innovation: promising results and next steps
The initial trials demonstrated the effectiveness of the development.
The researchers administered the vaccine to lambs and performed periodic blood tests to measure the humoral immune response, that is, the levels of antibodies generated by the vaccine.
Finally, they measured the level of infection, that is, the amount of DNA in different tissues, and evaluated the lesions caused by the parasite.
The results were conclusive:
- Vaccinated animals showed very few or no lesions
- Unvaccinated lambs showed significant lesions
- Less presence of the parasite was confirmed in vaccinated animals
- The generated protection was scientifically demonstrated
This confirmed the protective effect of the development in the first stage of trials.
The research now advances to a crucial phase.
“What we are going to do now is vaccinate sheep, impregnate them and inoculate them with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy,” Gual explained to La Capital.
The objective is to evaluate “the protection they generate against congenital transmission, that is, towards the fetus; and the protection against abortion, infection, or lesions in the fetuses.”
This phase is crucial to determine the real effectiveness of the vaccine in productive conditions and analyze fetal health.
A collaborative project from all areas
The development is carried out collaboratively between the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of Balcarce, INTECH (Chascomús Technological Institute), and IPADS (Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development) of INTA Balcarce.
This last one is an integrated unit with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Unmdp.
The team includes specialists in veterinary medicine, molecular biology, and plant biotechnology, initiated in 2023.
The award of u$s 5000 will allow the completion of the experimental phase of this inter-institutional and interdisciplinary project.
This recognition promotes the continuation of work that combines different scientific disciplines for the sake of veterinary innovation.
They have the support of key institutions in the sector:
- Argentine Wool Federation
- National Sheep Board
- Mar y Sierras Sheep Board
- Prolana
- INTA
“We have letters of endorsement supporting the project from key institutions in the productive and scientific sector,” added Gual.
Due to its innovative nature, potential benefits, and the relevance of toxoplasmosis in the “One Health” approach, this project is of interest to laboratories diagnosing human and animal diseases.
It also arouses interest in companies producing vaccines for veterinary and human use, as well as research organizations wishing to replicate the trial with other pathogenic agents.
